7th Florida Infantry Regiment, Company F. 21st Georgia Volunteer Infantry Civil War Reenactment Unit, 24th Georgia vols Company B civil War reenacting group, Company A, 2nd Battalion Georgia Sharpshooters, 104th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Company H, First Maryland Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Company B, 4th Texas Co. E / 16th Michigan Co. B Civil War Reenactors, Reynolds' Battery L 1st New York Light Artillery, 75th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company A, Company "C" 2nd Regiment Berdan Sharpshooters. Civil War Reenactment is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States, and with good reason. For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. The basic costs of outfitting an infantryman are between $1,500 and $2,000 which rises to $2,500 to $3,000 with the purchase of tents, ponchos, cooking gear, overcoats and other additional gear. Also, merchants who set up during reenactments and sell period-style goods to reenactors and the public. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. Civil War reenacting group in Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, and New Hampshire. Invitation events are smaller with limited numbers of participants making them easier to manage. Reenactment groups and societies can be found all over the world, although they are especially active in the U.S., UK, Germany, Sweden, Canada, and Australia. Too far back and the soldier in the front rank is too close to the muzzle blast. Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. During fights with frequent firing, muskets have been known to cook off, a pre-mature explosion of the black powder poured down the barrel caused by a still-burning spark. Powell, Kimberly. Reenacting units staged living histories to explain weapons and uniforms at venues like schools and public parks to recruit new hobbyists. While some of the research is now a bit dated, there is no better place to start than Bell Wileys classicsThe Life of Johnny Reb: The Common Soldier of the Confederacyand The Life of Billy Yank: The Common Soldier of the Union. Check your laws! American Civil War Reenactment Groups. Civil War Encampment & Reenactment 2021 August 5, 2021 | Education, Events and Programs, Historic Hanna's Town Thank you to everyone who joined us for the biannual Civil War Encampment and Reenactment! The troops do their best to mimic the movements of the actual battle, but as in real war, things often don't go according to plan . The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. The majority of reenactors choose to be soldiers, but even in a military reenactment group, there are other characters, such as wives, camp followers, surgeons, tinkers and sutlers (merchants). The exhaustion felt at the end of that reenacting march brings home the realization that the soldiers of the Civil War were tough. The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. Florida. If looking to dive into Vietnam reenacting, the number one piece of advice is to speak to a unit before making purchases. WW1 Reenactment Groups. Event Dues - This can really depend on the event and what is provided with the fee. There's nothing volunteering in a historical reenactment to experience the sights, sounds and smells of history. Cavalry and artillery reenactors have the added burden of worrying about their horses and mules stepping into holes on the field. There are alternative ways to get your history education. Units Groups of Civil War reenactors who participate as an actual unit that fought during the War, i.e., the 7th Texas Infantry, the 69th New York or the 19th Alabama. Don't buy a uniform or other equipment until you've joined a unit, which might have its own particular rules for attire. The NPS decided that mock battles detracted from the commemorative nature of the battlefields. AUTHENTIC Civil War Flag General W.F. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. BROOKSVILLE, Fla. - Each January, Hernando County scrambled to put out the welcome mat for what has been called the largest Civil War reenactment in Florida the Brooksville Raid. And that will generally be a four-wheel-drive SUV as all reenactors will one day find themselves in a muddy field wondering if they will be able to get out in time to get back to work on Monday. While this material is of interest to reenactors, our hobby requires a detailed knowledge of the daily experience of individual soldiers. Are you interested in conducting research into tiny details of soldiers lives? The easiest way for children to get involved in reenacting is to do it as a family. But if you've got the mettle and undying enthusiasm for history, we'll walk you through the basics of how to get involved. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Depending upon your reenactment scenario, this may be a real individual or a fictional one who could have lived during your time period of interest. Arch supports were not invented in the 1860s, but feel free to put anything inside that helps you march. Just how much does it cost to be a Civil War reenactor? When looking through our list of reenactment groups, be sure to really think about what is important to you. As a Civil War reenactor you will become a soldier, or a civilian, wearing authentic 1860s period clothing and learning to live as . People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. The youngest vet eran was 61 and the oldest was 112. What reenacting does is give men and women a chance to walk in the footsteps of those people who came before us just a little over 150 years ago. They carried Sharps rifles. Family Friendly Units - If reenacting is to become your next family adventure, you're going to have to find a family friendly unit. Check with your reenacting unit before buying any gun. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. Finding a reenactment group isn't as easy as looking at a map and finding the unit closest to you. Civil War Reenactment Groups The American Civil War, fought between 1861 and 1865, continues to live on in the form of living history reenactments. Reenactors believe that a weekend playing soldier or civilian brings them closer to understanding the experiences of the men and women who lived in that time. Becoming a historical re-enactor requires an unquenchable thirst for history and abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. Local video entrepreneurs filmed those 125th anniversary reenactments on VHS tapes, selling them to the reenactors who hoped to see themselves acting as Civil War soldiers. And that's not including weaponry: An M1 Garand will put you out $700 to $900, while other period guns cost less than $100. Don't be overwhelmed! Emmitsburg Area Historical Society.http://www.emmitsburg.net/archive_list/articles/misc/re-enactor.htm, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security, How the Civilian Conservation Corp Worked. or C.S.A. Do not buy from sutlers on-line then select which unit you want to join. Each reenactor has a specific role to play, so volunteers are expected to have extensive knowledge of the historical event as well as the time period in which it occurs. An Authentic Civil War Living History Association, Top Five Tips for Getting Started in Civil War Reenacting. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." 8th Confederate Cavalry / 7th Kentucky Cavalry, 3rd Arkansas Volunteer Infantry Company A, 1st Arkansas US Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 2nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment, Co. Most large re-enactment events take place outdoors, so spring through fall are very active times of the year for the majority of these groups. Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. Perhaps you attended a reenactment as a spectator and found yourself wishing you were in the midst of the smoke and confusion rather than watching it from afar. Not only does it reinforce our sense of pride in our heritage, but its something in which the entire family can participate. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. A reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. C.S. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. Both shows used reenactors for the first time, a revelation for Hollywood directors who suddenly realized that their extras knew how to act like Civil War soldiers. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. R. Lee Hadden. Reliving the Civil War: A Re-enactors Handbook. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. Then, the reenactors, tourist bureaus, and entrepreneurs realized that starting in 1991 they could stage larger-than-usual events at five-year intervals starting with the 130th anniversary of the start of the War. They are also made from a relatively standardized style, so they can be used across a wide variety of impressions should you ultimately decide to join another unit or develop a different impression. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. Now that the sesquicentennial is over, the future of reenacting is being debated. These events were often staged with paying spectators in mind, leading to sights that irritated reenactors such as rushing the enemy in a chargebut with multi-tiered bleachers behind the enemy. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. Historical reenacting gives you that chance. There are three types of reenactors; mainstreamers who do not fit the Civil War image of young thin soldiers and bring extra gear for comfort, campaigners who pride themselves in living rough in the open and achieving authenticity and stitch counters who pay attention to details of the history of uniforms and equipment and who generally maneuver with either mainstreamers or campaigners. That does not mean that single, unit-unaffiliated Black reenactors in blue will not be allowed in ranks at reenactments such as Gettysburg, but it is not historically accurate. It is common to find Black reenactors sprinkled in the Confederate ranks. American Civil War Reenactment Groups Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. Finding an organization for a child to partake in is not difficult. These groups often focus on reenactment of wars, offering members (and sometimes the public) a glimpse of what life was like during the conflicts that shaped history. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. All races and ethnicities can reenact. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. If there were other units at the events you attended who seemed like a better fit for what youre looking for, consider contacting them about falling in at their next event. You can buy relatively cheap U.S. uniforms from the World Wars. If you're thinking about volunteering in a historical reenactment, experienced reenactors will tell you that you shouldn't delve into this hobby without knowing what you're getting into. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. No reenactor will respond to an unknown general who walks onto the field and tries to take command of units who do not know him. You will need to visit a sutlery (supply store run by a civilian, a "sutler"), either online or in person, in order to get your basic gear, called a "kit". The 150th Manassas, Virginia event was held when the temperature on the field was 114 degrees. And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. Reenactors adopt what they call impressions based on the type of person they want to portray. The problem with modern day reenacting for USCTs is that they were not at many of the major battles because the original Union generals refused to put them into ranks beside white soldiers and because significant numbers werent enlisted or trained until the middle of 1863. If they try for officer ranks like lieutenant and captain, they must take even more rigorous tests to demonstrate that they know the commands that moved men around the field. Civil War News is a monthly newspaper that covers news about battlefield preservation, and reenacting. Gear - How much a reenactor spends on their gear is a product of individual means, love for the hobby, and type of unit. There is no age requirement for being a Civil War reenactor, but, of course, minors will need to have their parents approval and support. For reenactments that span several days, this can be grueling. We have committed ourselves to the education of the company membership and general public as to the lifestyle, military service and general values of the Black Civil War soldier through an authentic presentation of living history activities including battle reenactments, interpretive programs, training seminars, and similar programs. That could be in California, Wisconsin, or even Russia. To submit a reenactment group for consideration, please contact us here. Buy at a reenactment or with the help of an experience unit member. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. Members may portray either a military impression, or one of many civilian roles which are appropriate to the Civil War period. Reenactors put themselves in the shoes of those from an earlier time where food was scarce, disease was rampant, and a good nights sleep might mean sleeping in the mud. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting. Arkansas Infantry Reenactors. Kimberly Powell is a professional genealogist and the author of The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy. A police officer grips a corner of a torn U.S. flag at a memorial ceremony in New York on Sept. 11, 2004. Since the war took place in the South, it is more difficult for Yankees in Northern states to make the events in the Southern states. These reenactors can make a modest living by working in museums or historic sites such as Plymouth, Mass., or Williamsburg, Va. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. Used by permission of Kathleen Smith. That part of history cannot be changed. Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. Whoever is physically able can take to the battlefield with certain age restrictions. Experience being part of bringing our nation's most turbulent and tragic era to life. The gear does not stop at just a firearm either. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. For those men who need vision correction and who do not wear contact lens, there are sutlers who deal in eye glasses which are correct for the period. https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852 (accessed March 5, 2023). clear this with both units and dont just show up expecting to be ok. In particular, take notice of the grisly conditions a reenactor has to deal with -- especially in battle reenactments. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. Real sticklers discourage men from wearing wedding bands as that custom was not around during The Civil War. 2) Consider What You Want Out of Reenacting: Spend some time thinking about what aspects of reenacting interest you. Since 1974, we have represented Indiana's civil war heritage in movies and documentaries, for newspapers and TV, and at schools, museums and reenactments across the US. Encampments allow visitors to wander through a Civil War camp and observe soldiers training, resting, playing, and simply relaxingall without television, iPods, or computers! Confederate States or Confederate States Army. While reenacting is a hobby, it has some of the trappings of operating in an actual army. They, in turn, showed the VHS tapes to younger historians, who learned that the soldiers on screen were not actors, but young men acting out their historical fantasies. Be prepared to be footsore! . This Forum is for Posting Civil War Event Information. When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? Special Thanks A group of men this size can engage in brigade drill, practicing the same types of maneuvers the Civil War soldiers learned in order to face an enemy coming from any direction. It is where the Civil War soldier carried his food and where the reenactor will carry his food, wallet and car keys. A love of history, a desire to better understand what Civil War era soldiers and civilians experienced, the pleasure of camping with friends and cooking over an open fire all explain why reenactors follow this hobby. Reenactors generally participate in three types of events: Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. Perhaps you have a friend in the hobby who has encouraged you to give it a try. The only difference between the Civil War and the reenacting firing is that no Mini ball is rammed down the barrel. Welcome to the home of the 52nd Tennessee Co. C. We are a group of living historians centered around the American Civil War. Colorado Connecticut. Infoplease is part of the Sandbox Learning family of educational and reference sites for parents, teachers and students. Farby is a Civil War Reenactment term for anything not typical of the period. Campaigners are usually young and pride themselves in carrying a minimal amount of gear, sleeping in the open, and being as uncomfortable as they can be, which was the way it was. (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. Mega-events, reenactments where reenactors number several thousand, are likely gone forever now that the 150th anniversary events ended in 2015. Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. Civil War Traveler lists a variety of events, including reenactments, searchable by state so newcomers can see some reenactments in person and talk to unit members. Then again in 1938, those same veterans returned. Reenactments are family events, so feel free to bring the kids, too. Being a reenactor can not only put you in touch with your inner soldier, drummer, or fifer, but can also deepen your understanding of our country's past. American Civil War reenactment is an effort to recreate the appearance of a particular battle or other event associated with the American Civil War by hobbyists known (in the United States) as Civil War reenactors, or living historians.. Reenacting events come in varying categories. Reenactors often do more interacting with the visiting public such as performing drill and firing demonstrations, and giving flag and equipment talks. Most units will have a decent collection of clothes, gear, and even muskets that you can borrow, but it is often difficult to find loaner shoes since many reenactors only own a single pair.
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